80
I'm standing on the balcony, the stunning view of Lake Washington stretched out before me, but I can't even appreciate it. My nerves are wound tighter than a spring as I dial Damon's number, my heart doing a drum solo in my chest.
The phone rings, and then my baby bro's voice comes through, "Hello?"
I'm hit with a wave of emotion so strong that I'm afraid I might start ugly crying right here on this fancy-ass balcony. "Hey, little Demon," my voice wavering slightly as I use the nickname I've called him since we were kids. The familiarity of it feels like a balm on my frayed nerves.
"Holy shit. If it isn't my long-lost sister," Damon exclaims, his tone a perfect mix of surprise and sarcasm. "How did your little save-the-world trip to Ethiopia go?"
Wait, is that really where Emily said I was? Ugh, I will have to chat with that girl about her cover stories.
"It was good," I lie through my teeth, hoping he can't hear the guilt in my voice. "How are things going for you?"
"Can't complain. Just working at McKinley & Associates," he replies before his voice becomes somber. "You know I sold mom and dad's house, right? After—"
The lump in my throat feels like it's the size of a grapefruit. I close my eyes, the memories of their brutal murder still fresh and painful. "Yeah, I know. Emily told me—it's okay," I assure him, wanting him to know I understand.
"So, what's new with you? Are you back now, for good?" Damon asks, a hint of hopefulness creeping into his tone.
"Yeah, just a lot has happened. My apartment had a gas leak or something," I fib, hating myself for lying to him. But it's better than dragging him into this supernatural shit show. "So I had to evacuate—I'm staying with some friends now on Mercer Island."
"Mercer Island? Damn," Damon chuckles, impressed. "Ritzy-ass friends, you got there."
"Yeah, something like that," I deflect, eager to change the subject. "So, are you doing okay though? I know we didn't talk much after... you know—mom and dad."
Damon and I might indeed be adopted, but we both have a Ph.D. in burying our feelings and throwing ourselves into work to avoid the pain.
"Yeah..." he sighs, "I'm just keeping busy. All this supernatural stuff is hella weird, though; so much has changed here since you left. All these werewolves, witches, and now a new vampire leader or whatever." He pauses, "You know I hate all these freaks."
I wince at his words. Just like my parents, Damon despises anything supernatural.
"Yeah, tell me about it," I force a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, if you're up for it, maybe you can spare some time and come for a visit? There's plenty of room here..." I trail off, hoping he'll say yes.
I'd just need to keep my fanged friends under wraps for a while, and Emily and Sable would have to dial back on their magical mischief. Piece of cake, right?
There's a pause, and for a moment, I'm afraid he will decline. But then, "Yeah, I would like that, actually. I have some things to tie up here for this week, but maybe I could come out next week or something?" His voice softens, a hint of vulnerability shining through. "I miss you, Dani-bear."
My heart swells at the nickname, a smile spreading across my face. "I miss you, too, Little Demon."
Damon laughs, the sound warm and familiar. "Alright, I will call you next week, and then you can send me the address."
"Got it. I will talk to you then. Stay safe, okay?" I say, trying to pour all my love and concern into those few words.
"I will. Talk to you soon. Love ya, sis."
"Love you, too," I whisper, my heart feeling lighter than it has in weeks.
As I hang up, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. It'll be so good to see Damon again, but I know I'll have to be careful about what I say and do around him. The last thing I want is to put him in danger.
But for now, I'm just going to bask in knowing that my little bro is safe and I'll see him soon.
And if I have to spin a few more tales to keep him in the dark?
Well, that's just what big sisters do.
After hanging up, I run back into our room to get dressed—I'm so freaking ecstatic that I can barely contain myself. We girls are about to hit the road for our much-anticipated spa day. I booked our appointments earlier this week; today is finally the day.
Seraphina and I can walk amongst the population with our secret potion. Sable helped Rhyland and I concoct it so we could use it without fear of being attacked by our scent alone. We can finally strut our stuff without worrying about some hungry vampire or supernatural freak trying to take a bit out of us.
